Doctrinal Study

Bible

I believe that the Bible, consisting of a total of sixty-six books in the Old and New Testaments, is without error in the original manuscripts.

Proverbs 30:5–6 KJV 1900

Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, Lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

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John 17:17 KJV 1900

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

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Revelation 22:18–19 KJV 1900

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

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The author of the Bible was God the Holy Spirit

2 Peter 1:19–21 KJV 1900

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

; ; .) who guided the human authors (; ; ) so that the writings they produced were verbally and plenarily inspired (; ; ; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

Hebrews 1:1–2 KJV 1900

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

; .) who guided the human authors (; ; ) so that the writings they produced were verbally and plenarily inspired (; ; ; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

2 Peter 3:15–16 KJV 1900

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

.) who guided the human authors (; ; ) so that the writings they produced were verbally and plenarily inspired (; ; ; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

who guided the human authors

2 Samuel 23:2 KJV 1900

The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, And his word was in my tongue.

Acts 1:16 KJV 1900

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

; ; ) so that the writings they produced were verbally and plenarily inspired (; ; ; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

; ) so that the writings they produced were verbally and plenarily inspired (; ; ; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

1 Corinthians 2:13–14 KJV 1900

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

) so that the writings they produced were verbally and plenarily inspired (; ; ; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

) so that the writings they produced were verbally and plenarily inspired

Matthew 5:18 KJV 1900

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

; ; ; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

John 10:35 KJV 1900

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

; ; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

Galatians 3:16 KJV 1900

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

; ). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

). I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice (; ; ; ; .5).

I believe that the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice

Acts 17:11 KJV 1900

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

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1 Corinthians 10:6–12 KJV 1900

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

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Ephesians 6:17 KJV 1900

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

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2 Timothy 3:15–16 KJV 1900

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

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1 John 4:1 KJV 1900

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

God

I believe that there is only one living and true God (; .1), who is eternal, self-existing, and perfect Spirit (; ; ). He is a personal Being and the Creator and Upholder of the universe (; ; ; ). Though one God, He exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (; ; .). These Persons are equal in essence and in every divine perfection (; ; ; ; ), but each has His own distinct work to perform (J; ; , , .).

Concerning God the Father

I believe that God the Father, the first person of the Trinity orders and directs all things according to His own purposes, pleasure, and grace ((1) ; ; ; .). He has decreed all things that come to pass for His own glory. He graciously involves Himself in the affairs of men, hears and answers prayer, and saves from sin and death all who come to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ ( (2) ; ; ; , ).

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Concerning the Lord Jesus Christ

I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is both truly God and truly man ((1) .). His literal human body was miraculously conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and He was born of a human mother who was a virgin ( ; ). He was the God-Man with two natures, divine and human (, ; ; ). He lived a sinless life on earth and died on the cross as a substitute for sinners. His death bore the judgment of man's sin both corporately and individually. On the third day, He was raised bodily from the tomb as a testimony to the sufficiency of His sacrifice and as a guarantee of His people's future resurrection ((4) ; ; , . ). He now is in heaven as the great High Priest of His people ((5) . . He will return for His people at the rapture of the Church, and later to the earth to reign following the tribulation period ((6) ; ; .)).

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Concerning the Holy Spirit

I believe that the Holy Spirit is a divine Person, co-equal with God the Father and God the Son (1). He was active in creation (2). He convicts men of sin (3). He indwells each believer (4). He performs various ministries such as regenerating, sealing, guiding, teaching, sanctifying, and strengthening (5). Each believer has been sanctified positionally in Christ, is being sanctified by the continuing work of the Spirit, and ultimately at Christ's coming will be completely sanctified (6). While the believer can have victory over sin through the power of the Spirit, his sin nature will not be eradicated in this life (7). The Holy Spirit bestows spiritual gifts upon believers, these gifts being special abilities for service. Some gifts, such as tongues, prophecy, and healing, were temporary sign or revelatory gifts and have ceased (8). It is the believer's privilege to be filled with the Spirit and thus to produce fruit unto God and to live a joyous and productive Christian life (9).

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Concerning Angels

I believe in the existence of angels who are mighty spiritual beings that were created by God (1). They serve Him in various ways and are specially appointed to watch over and minister to God's people (2). I believe that at some time in the past a large number of angels, under the leadership of Satan, rebelled against God and were removed from His presence (3). They now roam the universe and are especially active on earth, opposing God and His purposes and ruling over the spiritual darkness of this world (4). Satan, also called the Devil, is a real personality who has tremendous power and is the enemy of God's people. He is destined to be judged by Christ at His return, to be bound in the pit for the Millenial period, and finally to be eternally incarcerated in the lake of fire following his final rebellion and defeat (5).

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Concerning Creation

I believe that the Genesis account of creation is to be accepted literally and not figuratively (1). I believe that the six days of creation mentioned in Genesis chapter one were solar hour days (2). I believe that all animal and vegetable life was made directly and that they follow God's law in multiplying "after their kind" (3). I believe that the entire human race sprang from one man, Adam, and one woman, Eve, literal people who were created directly in God's image and after His likeness and did not evolve from any lower form of life (4).

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Concerning the Fall of Man

I believe that man was originally created a sinless being (1). By voluntary transgression he fell from that sinless state (2), and, as a result, all mankind are now sinners by nature and by conduct (3) and are justly under divine condemnation (4).

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Concerning Salvation

Salvation is made free to all by the Gospel. It is solely initiated by God and is accomplished by grace apart from any human works (1). It is the duty of all persons to accept it by personal faith (2). Nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner except his own voluntary refusal to accept Christ as Savior (3). All who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are forgiven, regenerated, and justified (4). The perfect righteousness of Christ is imputed to them (5). They are given spiritual life which is manifested in their growth in grace (6). True believers are saved forever and can never be lost (7).

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Concerning Personal Godliness

I believe that the result of being filled with the Spirit is a life of personal godliness (1). The believer is to repudiate the world and its patterns of life and thought, and to present himself as a living sacrifice to God (2). I believe that Christians must guard against the notion that holiness is produced by obedience to rules and regulations, as well as the concept that life under grace permits us to indulge in the sins of the flesh. Life under grace does not allow the believer a license to live as he pleases (3). Instead, the Scriptures command us to be holy and to guard against sin in our lives (4). A fruitful Christian life is produced through daily fellowship with the Lord and the control of the Holy Spirit (5). I believe and teach that the Biblical standard of conduct is to avoid all appearance of evil and to not be controlled by any substance - this would include abstention from the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or other addictive behaviors and substances.

I teach and stand against immorality because it is condemned in God's Word. I believe that the marriage bond is holy and that there should be no sexual relationships between persons who are not married to one another (6). Further, I believe that intercourse between persons of the same sex is contrary to nature and to the explicit teachings of Scripture and is to be condemned (7). I believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Therefore, I believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, transvestism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. I believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender (collectively, 8). I believe and teach that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman for their lifetime (9).

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Concerning the Church

I believe that the Church, the Body of Christ, is composed of all true believers who are placed into that Body by the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit (1). I believe and teach that the Church is distinct from Israel (2) I believe that a local, visible church is an organized congregation of immersed believers (3), associated together by a common faith and fellowship in the Gospel. The local church is to be governed by the Word of God (4), and to observe the ordinances of baptism (the immersion of true believers only) and the Lord's Table (5). Its Scriptural officers are male believers referred to in Scripture as bishops (pastors) and deacons. I believe that a church ought to have one pastor under whose direction other pastors function (if there is more than one pastor). The qualifications and duties of a pastor are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus (6). I believe that a local church is autonomous, must not be subject to the control of any outside persons or organizations, and has the power and right to confess its own beliefs and conduct its own affairs in accordance with the teachings of the New Testament. On all matters of membership, polity, government, discipline, and giving, the will of the local church is final (7). I believe that both Christian baptism and the Lord's Supper are each a symbolic memorial and a prophetic picture (8). I believe that Christian baptism is the single immersion in water of a believer (9), performed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (10). It publicly shows, in solemn and beautiful figure, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, and our death to sin and resurrection to a new life (11). Baptism by immersion is a prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and participation in the Lord's Supper (12). At the Lord's Supper the members of the Church, by the use of bread and the fruit of the vine (unfermented), commemorate together the death of Christ (13). This commemoration should always be preceded by careful self-examination (14). As a local church ordinance, I believe that it is vital to the life of the local church, but welcome visiting believers to also partake if they are members of a like-minded church and in the right relationship with the Lord (including baptism by immersion). The church and its members should have as primary goals the evangelization of their own area, the extension of the gospel to the ends of the earth through Biblical missionary methods, and the edification of believers (15).

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Concerning the Lord's Day

I believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, and is a Christian institution that is to be kept sacred for spiritual purposes insofar as is possible on the part of the individual believer. It commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead (1). It is a time for public worship and for spiritual growth (2).

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Concerning Heresy, Apostasy, and Compromise

I believe that the Word of God predicts widespread apostasy from the revealed Christian faith as the time of Christ's coming draws nearer (1), and that obedient believers and local churches are to practice complete separation from these who deny the faith. The Scripture teaches that we are not to seek to win them to the faith by fellowshipping with them, but rather are to identify them, rebuke them, and withdraw ourselves from any spiritual communion with them (2). The principle of separation, as opposed to infiltration or collaboration, is clearly taught in the Scriptures. I also believe that we are to refuse ecclesiastical fellowship and organizational cooperation to those who are truly born again but who espouse doctrines that are contrary to Scripture or are engaged in practices that are not consistent with the Word and with a separated walk (3).

I believe and teach that the above does not and should not prevent us from meeting and forming friendships with the unsaved - including those who are entwined in false religions and cults. However, the believer’s ultimate goal must be the building of relationships in order to communicate the truth of the gospel to every person (4).

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Concerning Civil Government and Religious Liberty

I believe that civil government is of divine appointment and is for the maintenance of good order in human society (1). Believers are to pray for, honor, and obey civil authorities (2) except where to do so would be to violate plain commands and principles of the Word of God (3). The Church and the State have separate spheres of authority and the State has no valid jurisdiction over the ministry of the Church (4). The State should not favor one ecclesiastical group over another, nor should the State impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free State is the Christian ideal.

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Concerning Future Events

I believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked. Those who are righteous will enter into eternal bliss with Christ and those who are wicked will be lost forever (1). I believe that the Scriptures teach that at death the spirit and soul of the believer pass into the presence of Christ and remain in conscious joy until the resurrection of the body when Christ comes for His own (2). The blessed hope of the believer is the imminent, personal, pretribulational, premillennial appearance of Christ to rapture or “catch up” the Church, His bride, prior to the seventieth week of Daniel (3). God's righteous judgments will then be poured out upon an unbelieving world during the seven years of tribulation (4). The climax of this age will be the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth in great glory to reestablish the Davidic kingdom (5). Israel will be saved and restored as a nation (6). Satan will be bound, and the curse will be lifted from the physical creation (7). Following this thousand-year reign of Christ (the Millennium), Satan will be loosed for a short season and will gather the unsaved present on the earth for one final rebellion against God. Following his defeat, Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity. Following this, the Great White Throne Judgment will occur, at which time the bodies and souls of the wicked shall be reunited and cast into the Lake of Fire, a divinely appointed place of eternal torment (8). The saved will enter the city which God has prepared for His own and will live with the Lord in resurrected and glorified bodies (9).

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